Warming shelter opens in East Bay as temperatures dip

CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) -- It's noticeably cooler in the Bay Area Friday morning and some cities are opening warming shelters.

The gym was opened at First Presbyterian Church of Hayward in Castro Valley and word spread quickly. Almost all 25 spots are taken.

Church leaders will be doing this on nights when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. There was a huge demand Thursday night in the area, especially since they say there are wait lists at other shelters.

FORECAST: Freeze Warning and Frost Advisory issued for Bay Area

"A lot of the waiting lists were full and the best you could do is say a prayer and give them a blanket, so we thought what can we do that would help people this year," said First Presbyterian Church of Hayward's Chizu Buckalew.

Alameda County will pay for 50 nights but they still need some help. They're looking for donations of sleeping bags, socks and jackets.

Those who need the shelter say they are very appreciative. One man said he never expected to be in this situation, but here he is. He's grateful for the warm place to sleep for himself and also for his dog.

Especially since the temperature shows it is just above freezing.

If you'd like to make a donation, you can contact Chizu Buckalew at: chizu@firstpreshayward.com.